New Hope, PA, has been making waves in the real estate world. Supermodel sisters Gigi and Bella Hadid, along with their mom Yolanda Hadid, bought a property in 2017, and since then, interest in this quaint town has skyrocketed. Median home prices are now hovering around .3 million, and many celebrities have been spotted around. So, what makes New Hope so special?
New Hope's Draw
People are drawn to New Hope's convenient location. Situated halfway between New York City and Philadelphia, it's an attractive option for commuters and a great rehearsal area for Broadway productions. For years, major shows used the Bucks County Playhouse as a staging ground, infusing the area with an artsy vibe. Over time, its burgeoning arts scene attracted a multitude of artists, punks, and poets.The town's ability to entertain both low-brow and high-brow tastes is part of its charm. Walk down Main Street, and you'll find art galleries and high-end boutiques alongside head shops and used record stores. Its laid-back vibes led to it being named the Most Hippie Town in Pennsylvania several years in a row.Samuel Kile, founding partner of Loyal Home Buyers, says, "The area feels tucked away from the noise of urban life while being conveniently situated near major hubs. This blend of seclusion and accessibility has made it ideal for celebrities seeking a retreat that doesn't sacrifice convenience."Ken Murakowski, a broker with Century 21 in Bucks County, explains, "It's an artsy community that has everything but still feels like any town in small-town America. It's a bucolic setting with the vibrancy of a city."Plus, New Hope's school system is one of the top in the state, ranking 671 in the country according to U.S. News and World Report.
High-Priced Homes and Celebrity Neighbors
The Hadid family owns a farm in New Hope. Bradley Cooper and Gigi Hadid have both been seen around, and Cooper recently bought his own property. His seven-bedroom stone manse dates back to 1704 and was sold in December 2023. Gigi Hadid's ex, Zayn Malik, also owns a home in New Hope. He told British Vogue that it was a "great place to reflect" and that the home inspired his latest album.For the celebs, the draw is that it's still quiet there. Plus, your dollar goes much further in New Hope. Homes there are an average of 5 per square foot, while in Manhattan, they're ,520 per square foot. Bradley Cooper's Bucks County farm includes a guesthouse, barn, and access to a private lake.
What You Should Know About Moving to New Hope
The celebrity interest has contributed to high real estate prices. In New Hope, the median home listing price is .3 million, while in nearby Lambertville, NJ, it's 9,500. In New Hope, the top 5% sales price is about .75 million, and the top 10% is about .38 million. In Lambertville, the top 5% sales price is about 6,000, and the top 10% is about 0,000.While those prices are out of reach for many, the average household income in New Hope is 0,573, and more than 19% of households earn more than 0,000. In nearby Lambertville, the average household income is 0,000, and nearly 11% of households earn more than 0,000. Despite the higher prices, the number of sales in New Hope is around three times as many as in Lambertville.Kile warns that prospective homeowners should consider the drawbacks. Homes on the river may require flood insurance, and historic homes need to follow strict preservation guidelines.
